PHILADELPHIA -- The Pirates are recalling one of their top performing rookies.
Per a source, outfielder Jack Suwinski is heading back to the majors and will be joining the major-league team soon.
Despite starting the season with Class AA Altoona and being optioned to Class AAA Indianapolis on July 15, Suwinski's 14 home runs are second on the major-league team behind Bryan Reynolds (21). Factoring in good defense, he currently is third among all Pirate position players with 1.1 WAR, according to Baseball Reference.
However, the 24-year-old lefty has also been one of the team's most streaky hitters, going through stretches of being extremely hot and cold. That was best seen in his final 10 games before being optioned to the minors, where he went 0-for-28 with nine strikeouts.
In 250 plate appearances in the majors, he slashed .198/.288/.428 with 14 home runs, 25 RBIs and a 30.4% strikeout rate.
Strikeouts were a continuing theme in the minors, where he struck out 49 times in 130 trips to the plate (37.7%). He slashed .214/.285/.410 with Indianapolis.
No word yet on what the corresponding move would be.
STEPHENSON JOINS ROSTER
Right-hander Robert Stephenson, who was claimed off waiver Saturday, has joined the major-league team and is active for Sunday's game.
To make room on the major-league roster, right-hander JT Brubaker was placed on the Paternity List.
